Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Asia
Label: Inside Out Records
Release: 1996
Duration: 64:48
Rating: 4.5/5
Under the leadership of legendary keyboardist Geoff Downes and charismatic singer/bassist John Payne, British melodic prog rock champions Asia somehow managed to shake off the big stadium band label by the mid-nineties, the one that had dominated the melodic rock scene of the early eighties and racked up a string of unforgettable radio hits. Of the big names of progressive rock who had played a key role in the creative process in the past, only Downes was left by then, and he took the reins of this legendary band firmly into his own hands. Concert halls were getting smaller while big, open arenas were already a thing of the past, but that didn’t take away the nerve of these two seasoned old cats to give the next Asia album a slightly nostalgic name, »Arena«.
This time around they couldn’t count on the services of metal guitar sensation Al Pitrelli (ex-Alice Cooper, Savatage, Megadeth), but they managed to lure in no fewer than three superb guitarists instead: the legendary American Elliott Randall, British Pakistani Aziz Ibrahim and Japan’s Hotei Tomayasu. Drummer Mike Sturgis was joined on percussion by Portuguese player Luis Jardim, who played one of the key roles in the important sonic refresh that marks »Arena«. Jardim is best known for his work with legendary singer and producer Trevor Horn (ex-Buggles, Yes, Art of Noise). This fine bunch of musicians from different corners of the world fit perfectly into the new sonic direction, one that in many ways broke with the legacy of the albums »Aqua« (1992) and »Aria« (1994), which were still bridges from the eighties into the nineties in many respects.
This stylistic blood transfusion, with its infusion of world music elements, mostly thanks to Jardim’s exotic percussion, can be clearly heard already on the opening instrumental »Into The Arena«, where the interplay of acoustic and electric guitars, backed by symphonic curtains, builds a first-rate intimate atmosphere. Prog rock sophistication reigns on the title track too, dominated by Payne’s mighty vocals and Downes’ subtle synth work. The Latin flavor, courtesy of delicate guitar passages, is crowned with a classic melodic rock chorus in the good old Asia tradition. The lyrics fit the great cover art neatly, painted by Rodney Matthews, who had already designed the sleeve for »Aqua« (1992) and who is best known for his cover art for Magnum. For unknown reasons, »Heaven« opens with what is practically a copy-paste of the motif from the Pink Floyd classic »Run Like Hell«, but that clears out completely once the dynamic guitar lines and Payne’s excellent singing kick in, and the song suddenly takes on an atmosphere all its own.
Despite the fact that »Arena« doesn’t lack for great moments, since the whole album is very well balanced in quality overall, no single track boasts real hit potential. The closest is the excellent »Two Sides of the Moon«, where the lyrics play with the eternal mystery of the ‘dark side of the moon’, yet another nod to Pink Floyd. It’s a brilliant fusion of melodic rock and prog that, through sophisticated arrangements and clever rhythmic dynamics, peaks in a hypnotically catchy chorus. »The Day Before The War«, quite complex by usual Asia standards, has a totally contrasting, much gloomier mood, which you can pick up on in both the dramatic symphonic arrangements and the fierce guitar passages from Aziz Ibrahim. The transition into the acoustic section is pulled off with exceptional sophistication, while the instrumental section is a real treat for all the music gourmets out there. The ultra-melodic »Never« also has a retro tinge that recalls the ‘good old days’, mainly thanks to its rousing chorus, just as any honest AOR anthem should have. »Falling« is another very interesting piece, packed with plenty of wittily executed ambient flourishes on the synths, while Payne’s singing is once again top-notch, as is the backing vocal support. »Words« is a pleasant power ballad ruled by very well integrated acoustic guitar inserts, which blend brilliantly with the central keyboard melody and slowly build an ever more intense atmosphere.
»U Bring Med Down« is another somewhat more complex achievement, which uses pentatonic guitar scales to conjure up a convincing Indian melody, meaning the Asia members once again have fun with world music elements and season them with their usual melodic rock sophistication. »Tell Me Why« is a power ballad backed by grandiose multi-part vocals and layered guitar harmonies, proving that Asia have always been masters of inconsolable melancholy. »Turn It Around« has a relaxing mood and a rousing melody, with plenty of dreamy synth textures in the background, which means it’ll be right up the alley of all the longtime fans too. The closing instrumental »Bella Nova« has a playful ambient feel, successfully built up with a spirited melody from assorted percussion and fiery synth inserts, making for a thoroughly tasteful ending to this splendid album.
A masterpiece inspired by elements of world music, »Arena« reflects the many ambient virtues that adorned Asia in the era when the dynamic Downes-Payne duo was at the helm. Only its successor »Aura« (2001) tops it in that respect, which means this is in every way one of the best achievements in the story of this legendary English band.
Lineup
Geoff Downes – keyboards
John Payne – vocals, bass guitar, guitar
Aziz Ibrahim – guitar
Elliott Randall – guitar
Michael Sturgis – drums
GUEST MUSICIANS:
Luis Jardim – percussion (tracks 1, 2 & 4)
Hotei Tomayasu – guitar (track 1)
Production
John Payne and Geoff Downes
Tracklist
1. Into The Arena (2:59)
2. Arena (5:16)
3. Heaven (5:17)
4. Two Sides Of The Moon (5:22)
5. The Day Before The War (9:08)
6. Never (5:32)
7. Falling (4:57)
8. Words (5:18)
9. U Bring Me Down (7:07)
10. Tell Me Why (5:14)
11. Turn it Around (4:28)
12. Bella Nova (3:10)
